5 Key Differences Between MySQL and PostgreSQL
In the realm of open-source relational databases, two prominent players stand out: MySQL and PostgreSQL. While both have their strengths and weaknesses, they cater to different needs and offer distinct features. Here, we’ll delve into the five main differences between these two database giants.
1. Popularity and Comprehensive Nature
MySQL is more popular, having been widely used since the early days of the internet. It was supported by Master-Slave Replication very early on and became the core of many internet applications. On the other hand, PostgreSQL is more comprehensive, offering a wide range of features and support for various database standards. Although it was initially slower to adopt Master-Slave Replication, it has since caught up and is now a robust and feature-rich database.
2. Early Adoption of Master-Slave Replication
MySQL was the first to adopt Master-Slave Replication, which allowed it to become the core of many internet applications. This early adoption gave it a significant advantage over PostgreSQL, which only supported Master-Slave Replication around 2010. As a result, MySQL was able to establish itself as the go-to database for many web applications.
3. Commercial Support and Database Features
PostgreSQL, despite its comprehensive nature, struggled to gain commercial support and adoption. It was only with the emergence of Greenplum, a data warehousing platform built on top of PostgreSQL, that it began to gain traction. Today, PostgreSQL is widely used in data warehousing and business intelligence applications, thanks in part to Greenplum’s success.
4. Architecture and Replication
MySQL’s architecture has undergone significant changes over the years, with the introduction of semi-synchronous replication in MySQL 5.7 and Group Replication in MySQL 5.7. PostgreSQL, on the other hand, has also undergone significant changes, including the introduction of synchronous replication and materialized views.
5. History and Development
MySQL was first released in 1996, with the first version of MySQL 1.0. It was initially based on the ISAM and mSQL projects and was later joined by the InnoDB engine. PostgreSQL, on the other hand, originated from a teaching project at the University of California, Berkeley, and was first released in 1995. It has since undergone numerous releases, with significant changes and improvements in each version.
MySQL and PostgreSQL: A Comparison of the Mainstream
MySQL and PostgreSQL are both widely used open-source relational databases, but they cater to different needs and offer distinct features. MySQL is more popular, having been widely used since the early days of the internet, while PostgreSQL is more comprehensive, offering a wide range of features and support for various database standards.
Mainstream MySQL and PostgreSQL Distributions
MySQL is the official version and commercial version of MySQL, supported by Oracle. Percona Server is the most active third-party release, supported by Percona, a commercial company. MariaDB is a separate branch of MySQL, developed by Monty, a core R&D engineer, and has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of new features and patches.
Comparison of the Official Version and Commercial Version
The official version of MySQL is supported by Oracle, while the commercial version is enhanced with security and audit features, requiring a licensing fee. Percona Server is a third-party release, supported by Percona, and offers functional and management-intensive features. MariaDB is a separate branch of MySQL, developed by Monty, and has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of new features and patches.
Mainstream MySQL and PostgreSQL Usage
MySQL is widely used in social news databases, e-commerce, internet finance, games, and entertainment. PostgreSQL is widely used in data warehousing and business intelligence applications, thanks in part to Greenplum’s success. Zhejiang Mobile has replaced its original Oracle architecture with PostgreSQL-XC.
Conclusion
MySQL and PostgreSQL are both widely used open-source relational databases, but they cater to different needs and offer distinct features. MySQL is more popular, having been widely used since the early days of the internet, while PostgreSQL is more comprehensive, offering a wide range of features and support for various database standards.